Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On the medical reform Bill, the Government did a U-turn on discretionary medical cards and the Taoiseach, speaking on the Order of Business last week, indicated that the Government would provide general practitioner visit cards to everybody aged over 70 years. Approximately 50,000 people aged over 70 do not have a GP visit card or medical card. I understand legislation will be required to provide this group with GP visit cards. When can we expect the relevant legislation? Will it provide for those aged over 70 years who have lost their medical cards, particularly those with serious illnesses who cannot apply for a discretionary medical card using the over 70s income thresholds and must do so using the under 70s income thresholds? This anomaly is catching many seriously ill older people. I dealt with some horrific cases last week. What is the position regarding the medical reform Bill?

On the medical practitioners (medical indemnity insurance) Bill, the purpose of which is to ensure all medical practitioners have adequate medical indemnity insurance, the Minister may be aware that there is a crisis in indemnity, particularly for consultants in private hospitals. Premiums have increased by 50%, with the Medical Protection Society charging premiums of €90,000 for consultants in the orthopaedic and spinal areas. Many Deputies have been contacted about this serious issue. When can we expect the legislation given the urgency of the situation and the crisis in cover for key specialties in the private hospital sector?

See this speech in context